Asking for help with our mental health is a strength, not a weakness - here's why

Tell us about your role and how you support mental health and wellbeing. 

I am the Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery which includes approximately 80 staff and upwards of 1300 students. I am also a Registered Mental Health Nurse with a clinical background of working with male high secure offenders who have a diagnosis of Personality Disorder. Within my role, I prioritise the wellbeing of staff and aim to develop a culture of psychological safety. 

I advocate for positive mental health and encourage staff and students to seek support when needed. I have also completed a doctorate degree that focuses on mental health and professional football and have since published a number of peer-reviewed articles on the subject, with a book I am writing due to be completed in 2027. 

Why is good mental health important to personal resilience? 

Good mental health is important not just for resilience but also to thrive in today’s society. The world that we live and work in has become increasing volatile and complex and change has become a norm that we all have to adjust to. The political landscape is increasingly uncertain, and most organisations are facing financial restrictions. This means that we have to do more for less. 

When responding to an emergency, you might not always know what to expect until you arrive and are faced with helping others in times of need, and/or crisis. Whatever your line of work, ensuring good mental health will better equip you for the challenges ahead and will enable to draw upon your skills of flexibility, adaptability and resilience. 

What small, everyday things can people do to protect their mental health? 

I live by core aspects of good mental health and wellbeing. These include 'control the controllables', the five ways of wellbeing, and talking about your emotions. These aspects are not just relevant to working environments but also will support you through life. 

I strongly believe in control the controllables. I cannot always control the situation, but I can control my response. This is a great way to manage anxieties and stressors. The five ways of wellbeing – Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give - are brilliant and genuinely helpful. 

Personally, I would recommend a walk in the country and take notice of the sounds and smells that you encounter. Switch off from the pull of the digital world and clear you mind ready for the next challenge. 

Also, talk to your loved ones and friends. When you are feeling anxious, low, tearful – acknowledge it and talk about it. Sometimes just verbalising how you feel to someone who is actively listening can be enough to make you feel better. 

Why is it important to talk openly about mental health at work and in our communities? 

Talking about mental health at work is essential to help process how you are feeling and to support effective debriefing. When working in an environment that has a supportive culture towards mental health, this will have a positive impact on your personal life as well. 

If people want support, what should they do? 

Speaking out about your mental health and asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. There are a range of helplines that can support you including Mind, Samaritans, and Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). I would also recommend ‘Start a Conversation’ run by Leicestershire County Council. 

Or, you could just talk to a mate. 

Gary is based in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at Leicester's De Montfort University.